Do They Eat Rat These Days?: Benue Bans Eating of Rats As Fear of Lassa Fever Outbreak Spreads

Samuel Ortom

As the fear of Lassa Fever outbreak continues to rage through Nigerian states, the Benue state government has banned the eating of rats. 

In a move to check the spread of Lassa fever, the Benue state government has directed people in the state to desist from eating rats for the meantime.

This directive was given by Governor Samuel Ortom at Aso Villa shortly after meeting with Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

According to The Punch, the governor explained that the step becomes necessary as the state had recorded a case of the virus. It was learnt that rat is a delicacy popular among the people of the state.

Ortom said: “Benue is affected; we have one case of Lassa Fever right now that is under control. We have advised our people that rat which is a major carrier, is a delicacy; I am finding it difficult but I have told them to suspend eating rats now until further notice.”

He also noted that he has decided to make agriculture the main priority programme of his administration because he had premonition early enough that a time would come when the nation would be face with dwindling revenue.